Why Langstroth
The Langstroth hive is the most common hive in the United States. Its boxes and frames come in standard sizes, so parts from different makers fit together and most beekeeping equipment is built around it, including extractors. The frames are spaced so bees leave a gap of about 3/8 inch, which keeps them from gluing frames together and lets you pull one out for inspection.
Deep boxes and medium boxes
A deep box is the colony's home. The queen lays eggs and the bees raise young in it. VEVOR's deep box stands about 9.6 inches tall. A medium box, about 6.7 inches tall, goes on top as a honey super. Mediums matter because honey is heavy. A full box of honey is heavy, and a deep holds more than a medium, so mediums spare your back.
The five kits compared
The kits below are all 10-frame-box Langstroth designs with beeswax-coated wood, wax foundations, acrylic observation windows and a top cover. Weights and contents come from VEVOR's listings. Prices are what VEVOR showed on October 15, 2026. We have not assembled any of them.
| Kit | Boxes | Frames | Weight | Price | Per frame | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Frame Deep Box Kit | 1 deep | 10 | 15.7 lb | $37.45 | $3.75 | Check price at VEVOR |
| 10-Frame Medium Box Kit | 1 medium | 10 | 12.3 lb | $45.90 | $4.59 | Check price at VEVOR |
| 20-Frame Langstroth Hive Kit | 1 deep + 1 medium | 20 | 45.4 lb | $120.90 | $6.04 | Check price at VEVOR |
| 30-Frame Langstroth Hive Kit | 2 deep + 1 medium | 30 | 55.1 lb | $134.77 | $4.49 | Check price at VEVOR |
| 40-Frame Langstroth Hive Kit | 2 deep + 2 medium | 40 | 66.1 lb | $160.89 | $4.02 | Check price at VEVOR |
Which kit to buy
One hive, first year: the 20-frame kit gives you one deep for the colony and one medium for honey. It is the simplest start and costs about $121.
You want room to grow: the 30-frame kit costs only about $14 more and adds a second deep. In places with cold winters, many beekeepers run two deeps for the colony. Your local club will tell you what works where you live.
Best price per frame: the 40-frame kit works out to about $4 a frame, the cheapest of the three full kits, and it includes a second honey box. It is also the heaviest at about 66 pounds in the box.
Adding to a hive you already own: the 10-frame deep ($37.45) and medium ($45.90) kits work as extra boxes.
What is not in the box
The listings describe boxes, frames, foundation, acrylic windows, covers and, on the larger kits, a bottom base. They do not mention bees, protective clothing, a smoker, a hive tool or a feeder, so budget for those separately. Check each listing to see whether a bottom base is included before you order the 20-frame kit.
Plan the timing
Bees go into hives in spring, and suppliers often sell out of packages and nucs early. If you are reading this in autumn, buy the kit over the winter, assemble it, and reserve your bees before the season starts. Join a beekeeping club now. Most run beginner classes in winter.
A fair warning about budget kits
These are low-cost kits. Expect to check joints and fit when the boxes arrive, and read recent buyer reviews on the VEVOR listing before you order. Specialty bee suppliers may offer better woodwork at a higher price. If you can inspect a kit at a local club or supplier first, do.
